What to do when you are unhappy with a public school teacher

Set a conference date

Contact the teacher and ask for a face-to-face meeting as soon as possible. Go to the meeting with an open mind. Remember, children aren't always able to pinpoint what's really bothering them nor are their perceptions always accurate. Give the teacher a chance to explain himself without making him feel defensive.

Begin by thanking the teacher for something that happened recently, or something that you appreciate about him. Then explain that you're here because of a problem, and that you see this as a problem-solving meeting. For example: "My daughter is unhappy about the homework situation and I'm hoping we can find a solution together." Avoid blaming the teacher for the problem. The less accused he feels, the less defensive he'll feel, and the more openly he'll respond.

Respect the chain of command

If your discussion with the teacher doesn't satisfy you — if he's unresponsive, defensive, or blames you or your child instead of acknowledging some responsibility — you must pursue the matter further.

Thank the teacher for the meeting, tell him that you want to continue the discussion at another time and that you want to involve others at the school.

Find out who is next in the chain of command; it might be an assistant principal. Initiate a meeting with this person and include the teacher.

If this meeting isn't satisfactory, you may have to consider moving your child to another class.

Request a class change

This is a drastic step that should be reserved for only the most serious problems. Talk to your child about how she would feel about moving to a new class. If she wants to be transferred, it's time to meet with the principal on your own.

Prepare for your meeting with the principal by articulating a logical and persuasive argument for the change. Don't blame the teacher by sighting his shortcomings; principals are sometimes reluctant to admit that the teacher is the problem. Strickland suggests finding a more neutral, compelling reason for the change, such as: "My child's learning style doesn't mesh with the teacher's teaching style," "My child would learn better if she were in a quieter classroom," or "My child is physically active and would do better in a classroom in which she had more freedom to move around."

Draw on specific examples of how your child's present teacher handled problem situations, and how unhappy your child was. This will give the principal a way to justify the change.

Ask for a timetable. Principals sometimes agree to look into the matter but postpone taking action until the school term is nearly over. If you want your child's class changed immediately, ask him when he will get back to you with an answer.

Make a group complaint about a teacher

If your child has a teacher with whom no one is happy, and your meeting with the principal does not bring about any resolution, you should meet with the other parents and approach the school superintendent as a group. Make your case as to why the teacher is ineffective. Be sure to present documentation and specific examples of what you consider problem behavior. While it's unlikely that a tenured teacher can be fired, he can be taken out of the classroom and transferred to a non-teaching position within the school district.

Most of the time conflicts can be resolved before they escalate to this point. But if they can't, remember that you're not powerless and that part of your job as a parent is to advocate for your child.

This Internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. Please review the Terms of Use before using this site. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use.

This site is published by BabyCenter, L.L.C., which is responsible for its contents as further described and qualified in the Terms of Use.